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Kumar S, Arwind DA, Kumar B H, Pandey S, Nayak R, Vithalkar MP, Kumar N, Pai KSR. Inhibition of STAT3: A promising approach to enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy in medulloblastoma. Transl Oncol 2024; 46:102023. [PMID: 38852276 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is a type of brain cancer that primarily affects children. While chemotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating medulloblastoma, the development of chemotherapy resistance remains a challenge. One potential therapeutic approach is to selectively inhibit the inducible transcription factor called STAT3, which is known to play a crucial role in the survival and growth of tumor cells. The activation of STAT3 has been linked to the growth and progression of various cancers, including medulloblastoma. Inhibition of STAT3 has been shown to sensitize medulloblastoma cells to chemotherapy, leading to improved treatment outcomes. Different approaches to STAT3 inhibition have been developed, including small-molecule inhibitors and RNA interference. Preclinical studies have shown the efficacy of STAT3 inhibitors in medulloblastoma, and clinical trials are currently ongoing to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in patients with various solid tumors, including medulloblastoma. In addition, researchers are also exploring ways to optimize the use of STAT3 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy and identify biomarkers that can predict treatment that will help to develop personalized treatment strategies. This review highlights the potential of selective inhibition of STAT3 as a novel approach for the treatment of medulloblastoma and suggests that further research into the development of STAT3 inhibitors could lead to improved outcomes for patients with aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachindra Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, India
| | - Dube Aakash Arwind
- Department of Pharmacology and toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali-844102, Bihar, India
| | - Harish Kumar B
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, India
| | - Samyak Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, India
| | - Raksha Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, India
| | - Megh Pravin Vithalkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, India
| | - Nitesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali-844102, Bihar, India
| | - K Sreedhara Ranganath Pai
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, India.
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2
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Rohrer KA, Song H, Akbar A, Chen Y, Pramanik S, Wilder PJ, McIntyre EM, Chaturvedi NK, Bhakat KK, Rizzino A, Coulter DW, Ray S. STAT3 Inhibition Attenuates MYC Expression by Modulating Co-Activator Recruitment and Suppresses Medulloblastoma Tumor Growth by Augmenting Cisplatin Efficacy In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082239. [PMID: 37190167 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
MB is a common childhood malignancy of the central nervous system, with significant morbidity and mortality. Among the four molecular subgroups, MYC-amplified Group 3 MB is the most aggressive type and has the worst prognosis due to therapy resistance. The present study aimed to investigate the role of activated STAT3 in promoting MB pathogenesis and chemoresistance via inducing the cancer hallmark MYC oncogene. Targeting STAT3 function either by inducible genetic knockdown (KD) or with a clinically relevant small molecule inhibitor reduced tumorigenic attributes in MB cells, including survival, proliferation, anti-apoptosis, migration, stemness and expression of MYC and its targets. STAT3 inhibition attenuates MYC expression by affecting recruitment of histone acetyltransferase p300, thereby reducing enrichment of H3K27 acetylation in the MYC promoter. Concomitantly, it also decreases the occupancy of the bromodomain containing protein-4 (BRD4) and phosphoSer2-RNA Pol II (pSer2-RNAPol II) on MYC, resulting in reduced transcription. Importantly, inhibition of STAT3 signaling significantly attenuated MB tumor growth in subcutaneous and intracranial orthotopic xenografts, increased the sensitivity of MB tumors to cisplatin, and improved the survival of mice bearing high-risk MYC-amplified tumors. Together, the results of our study demonstrate that targeting STAT3 may be a promising adjuvant therapy and chemo-sensitizer to augment treatment efficacy, reduce therapy-related toxicity and improve quality of life in high-risk pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Rohrer
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology Division, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Heyu Song
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Anum Akbar
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology Division, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Yingling Chen
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Suravi Pramanik
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Phillip J Wilder
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Erin M McIntyre
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology Division, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Nagendra K Chaturvedi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology Division, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kishor K Bhakat
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Angie Rizzino
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Don W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology Division, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Sutapa Ray
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology Division, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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3
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Ray S. Tumorsphere Formation Assay: A Cancer Stem-Like Cell Characterization in Pediatric Brain Cancer Medulloblastoma. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2701:253-259. [PMID: 37574488 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3373-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease, comprising of a mixture of different cell populations. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells (TICs), are a subpopulation of multipotent cells within the cancer that has self-renewing capability, tumor-initiating ability, multi-differentiation potential, and an inherent capacity for drug and chemoresistance. Sphere-formation assay is commonly used for enrichment and analysis of CSC properties in vitro and is typically used as a metric for testing the viability of tumor cells to anticancer agents. This model is based on the ability of CSCs to grow under ultralow-attachment conditions in serum-free medium supplemented with growth factors. In contrast to the adherent 2D culture of cancer cells, the 3D culture of tumorsphere assay exploits inherent biologic features of CSCs such as anoikis resistance and self-renewal. We describe here the detailed methodology for the generation and propagation of spheres generated from pediatric brain tumor medulloblastoma (MB) cells. As signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) is known to play an important role in maintaining cancer stem cell properties, we accessed the effect of depleting or inhibiting STAT3 on MB-sphere sizes, numbers, and integrity. This may serve as a promising platform for screening potential anti-CSC agents and small-molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutapa Ray
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Child Health Research Institute, Omaha, NE, USA.
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4
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Ervin EH, French R, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:48-83. [PMID: 36347438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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5
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STAT3 in medulloblastoma: a key transcriptional regulator and potential therapeutic target. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:10635-10652. [PMID: 35716286 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07694-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood accounting for about 60% of all pediatric embryonal tumors. Despite improvements in the overall survival rate, this tumor still lacks an efficient, reliable, and less toxic therapeutic approach. Characterization of the molecular mechanisms involved in medulloblastoma initiation and progression is a crucial step for the development of effective therapies. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 is a convergence point for several signaling cascades that are implicated in medulloblastoma tumorigenesis. Accumulated evidence has revealed the pivotal role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in medulloblastoma pathogenesis such as proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression as well as maintenance, drug resistance, and recurrence. In this review, we focus on the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in medulloblastoma tumorigenesis and discuss the recent advances of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibition as a promising developed strategy for medulloblastoma therapy.
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Ray S, Chaturvedi NK, Bhakat KK, Rizzino A, Mahapatra S. Subgroup-Specific Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Predictive Markers Influencing Pediatric Medulloblastoma Treatment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 12:diagnostics12010061. [PMID: 35054230 PMCID: PMC8774967 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant central nervous system tumor in pediatric patients. Mainstay of therapy remains surgical resection followed by craniospinal radiation and chemotherapy, although limitations to this therapy are applied in the youngest patients. Clinically, tumors are divided into average and high-risk status on the basis of age, metastasis at diagnosis, and extent of surgical resection. However, technological advances in high-throughput screening have facilitated the analysis of large transcriptomic datasets that have been used to generate the current classification system, dividing patients into four primary subgroups, i.e., WNT (wingless), SHH (sonic hedgehog), and the non-SHH/WNT subgroups 3 and 4. Each subgroup can further be subdivided on the basis of a combination of cytogenetic and epigenetic events, some in distinct signaling pathways, that activate specific phenotypes impacting patient prognosis. Here, we delve deeper into the genetic basis for each subgroup by reviewing the extent of cytogenetic events in key genes that trigger neoplastic transformation or that exhibit oncogenic properties. Each of these discussions is further centered on how these genetic aberrations can be exploited to generate novel targeted therapeutics for each subgroup along with a discussion on challenges that are currently faced in generating said therapies. Our future hope is that through better understanding of subgroup-specific cytogenetic events, the field may improve diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment to improve overall quality of life for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutapa Ray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 601 S Saddle Creek Road, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.R.); (N.K.C.)
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (K.K.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Nagendra K. Chaturvedi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 601 S Saddle Creek Road, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.R.); (N.K.C.)
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (K.K.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Kishor K. Bhakat
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (K.K.B.); (A.R.)
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Angie Rizzino
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (K.K.B.); (A.R.)
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Sidharth Mahapatra
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 601 S Saddle Creek Road, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.R.); (N.K.C.)
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (K.K.B.); (A.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(402)-599-7754
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7
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Chen S, Deng X, Sheng H, Rong Y, Zheng Y, Zhang Y, Lin J. Noncoding RNAs in pediatric brain tumors: Molecular functions and pathological implications. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:417-431. [PMID: 34552822 PMCID: PMC8426460 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumors are common solid pediatric malignancies and the main reason for cancer-related death in the pediatric setting. Recently, evidence has revealed that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a critical role in brain tumor development and progression. Therefore, in this review article, we describe the functions and molecular mechanisms of ncRNAs in multiple types of cancer, including medulloblastoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, ependymoma, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, glioblastoma, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, and craniopharyngioma. We also mention the limitations of using ncRNAs as therapeutic targets because of the nonspecificity of ncRNA targets and the delivery methods of ncRNAs. Due to the critical role of ncRNAs in brain oncogenesis, targeting aberrantly expressed ncRNAs might be an effective strategy to improve the outcomes of pediatric patients with brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohuai Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hansong Sheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuxi Rong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanhao Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yusong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jian Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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8
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Yuan L, Zhang H, Liu J, Malhotra A, Dey A, Yu B, Jella KK, McSwain LF, Schniederjan MJ, MacDonald TJ. STAT3 is required for Smo-dependent signaling and mediates Smo-targeted treatment resistance and tumorigenesis in Shh medulloblastoma. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1009-1025. [PMID: 34482626 PMCID: PMC8847987 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh)‐driven medulloblastoma (Shh MB) cells are dependent on constitutive Shh signaling, but targeted treatment of Shh MB has been ineffective due to drug resistance. The purpose of this study was to address the critical role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in Shh signaling and drug resistance in Shh MB cells. Herein, we show that STAT3 is required for Smoothened (Smo)‐dependent Shh signaling and, in turn, is reciprocally regulated by Shh signaling, and demonstrate that STAT3 activity is critical for expression of HCK proto‐oncogene, Src family tyrosine kinase (Hck) in Shh MB. We also demonstrate that maintained STAT3 activity suppresses p21 expression and promotes colony formation of Shh MB cells, whereas dual treatment with inhibitors of both Smo and STAT3 results in marked synergistic killing and overcomes drug resistance in vitro of Smo antagonist‐resistant Shh MB cells. Finally, STAT3 inhibitor treatment significantly prevents in vivo tumor formation in genetically engineered Shh MB mice. Collectively, we show that STAT3 is necessary to maintain Shh signaling and thus is a potential therapeutic target to treat Shh MB and overcome anti‐Smo drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangping Yuan
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jingbo Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anshu Malhotra
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abhinav Dey
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bing Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kishore Kumar Jella
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Leon F McSwain
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew J Schniederjan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tobey J MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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9
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Bian Z, Ji W, Xu B, Huo Z, Huang H, Huang J, Jiao J, Shao J, Zhang X. Noncoding RNAs involved in the STAT3 pathway in glioma. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:445. [PMID: 34425834 PMCID: PMC8381529 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02144-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumour in adults. Despite improvements in neurosurgery and radiotherapy, the prognosis of glioma patients remains poor. One of the main limitations is that there are no proper clinical therapeutic targets for glioma. Therefore, it is crucial to find one or more effective targets. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a member of the STAT family of genes. Abnormal expression of STAT3 is involved in the process of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, dryness maintenance, and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in glioma. Therefore, STAT3 has been considered an ideal therapeutic target in glioma. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a group of genes with limited or no protein-coding capacity that can regulate gene expression at the epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional level. In this review, we summarized the ncRNAs that are correlated with the ectopic expression of STAT3 in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Bian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyuan Huo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiantong Jiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfei Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Histone chaperone FACT complex inhibitor CBL0137 interferes with DNA damage repair and enhances sensitivity of medulloblastoma to chemotherapy and radiation. Cancer Lett 2021; 520:201-212. [PMID: 34271103 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a malignant pediatric brain tumor with a poor prognosis. Post-surgical radiation and cisplatin-based chemotherapy have been a mainstay of treatment, which often leads to substantial neurocognitive impairments and morbidity, highlighting the need for a novel therapeutic target to enhance the sensitivity of MB tumors to cytotoxic therapies. We performed a comprehensive study using a cohort of 71 MB patients' samples and pediatric MB cell lines and found that MB tumors have elevated levels of nucleosome remodeling FACT (FAcilitates Chromatin Transcription) complex and DNA repair enzyme AP-endonuclease1 (APE1). FACT interacts with APE1 and facilitates recruitment and acetylation of APE1 to promote repair of radiation and cisplatin-induced DNA damage. Further, levels of FACT and acetylated APE1 both are correlate strongly with MB patients' survival. Targeting FACT complex with CBL0137 inhibits DNA repair and alters expression of a subset of genes, and significantly improves the potency of cisplatin and radiation in vitro and in MB xenograft. Notably, combination of CBL0137 and cisplatin significantly suppressed MB tumor growth in an intracranial orthotopic xenograft model. We conclude that FACT complex promotes chemo-radiation resistance in MB, and FACT inhibitor CBL0137 can be used as a chemo-radiation sensitizer to augment treatment efficacy and reduce therapy-related toxicity in high-risk pediatric patients.
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11
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Laneve P, Caffarelli E. The Non-coding Side of Medulloblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:275. [PMID: 32528946 PMCID: PMC7266940 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric brain tumor and a primary cause of cancer-related death in children. Until a few years ago, only clinical and histological features were exploited for MB pathological classification and outcome prognosis. In the past decade, the advancement of high-throughput molecular analyses that integrate genetic, epigenetic, and expression data, together with the availability of increasing wealth of patient samples, revealed the existence of four molecularly distinct MB subgroups. Their further classification into 12 subtypes not only reduced the well-characterized intertumoral heterogeneity, but also provided new opportunities for the design of targets for precision oncology. Moreover, the identification of tumorigenic and self-renewing subpopulations of cancer stem cells in MB has increased our knowledge of its biology. Despite these advancements, the origin of MB is still debated, and its molecular bases are poorly characterized. A major goal in the field is to identify the key genes that drive tumor growth and the mechanisms through which they are able to promote tumorigenesis. So far, only protein-coding genes acting as oncogenic drivers have been characterized in each MB subgroup. The contribution of the non-coding side of the genome, which produces a plethora of transcripts that control fundamental biological processes, as the cell choice between proliferation and differentiation, is still unappreciated. This review wants to fill this major gap by summarizing the recent findings on the impact of non-coding RNAs in MB initiation and progression. Furthermore, their potential role as specific MB biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Laneve
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Caffarelli
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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12
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Bahmad HF, Poppiti RJ. Medulloblastoma cancer stem cells: molecular signatures and therapeutic targets. J Clin Pathol 2020; 73:243-249. [PMID: 32034059 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2019-206246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant primary intracranial neoplasm diagnosed in childhood. Although numerous efforts have been made during the past few years to exploit novel targeted therapies for this aggressive neoplasm, there still exist substantial hitches hindering successful management of MB. Lately, progress in cancer biology has shown evidence that a subpopulation of cells within the tumour, namely cancer stem cells (CSCs), are thought to be responsible for the resistance to most chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy, accounting for cancer recurrence. Hence, it is crucial to identify the molecular signatures and genetic aberrations that characterise those CSCs and develop therapies that specifically target them. In this review, we aim to give an overview of the main genetic and molecular cues that depict MB-CSCs and provide a synopsis of the novel therapeutic approaches that specifically target this population of cells to attain enhanced antitumorous effects and therefore overcome resistance to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F Bahmad
- Arkadi M Rywlin MD Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Robert J Poppiti
- Arkadi M Rywlin MD Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA .,Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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The Plant-Derived Compound Resveratrol in Brain Cancer: A Review. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10010161. [PMID: 31963897 PMCID: PMC7023272 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite intensive research, malignant brain tumors are among the most difficult to treat due to high resistance to conventional therapeutic approaches. High-grade malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma, are among the most devastating and rapidly growing cancers. Despite the ability of standard treatment agents to achieve therapeutic concentrations in the brain, malignant gliomas are often resistant to alkylating agents. Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol occurring in nuts, berries, grapes, and red wine. Resveratrol crosses the blood‒brain barrier and may influence the central nervous system. Moreover, it influences the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase and, more importantly, the resistance to standard treatment via various mechanisms, such as O6-methylguanine methyltransferase. This review summarizes the anticancer effects of resveratrol in various types of brain cancer. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have presented promising results; however, further clinical research is necessary to prove the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol in brain cancer treatment.
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Role of JAK/STAT3 Signaling in the Regulation of Metastasis, the Transition of Cancer Stem Cells, and Chemoresistance of Cancer by Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010217. [PMID: 31952344 PMCID: PMC7017057 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway plays an essential role in various types of cancers. Activation of this pathway leads to increased tumorigenic and metastatic ability, the transition of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and chemoresistance in cancer via enhancing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT acts as a critical regulator in the progression of cancer and is involved in regulating invasion, spread, and survival. Furthermore, accumulating evidence indicates the failure of conventional therapies due to the acquisition of CSC properties. In this review, we summarize the effects of JAK/STAT3 activation on EMT and the generation of CSCs. Moreover, we discuss cutting-edge data on the link between EMT and CSCs in the tumor microenvironment that involves a previously unknown function of miRNAs, and also discuss new regulators of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Song H, Bhakat R, Kling MJ, Coulter DW, Chaturvedi NK, Ray S, Joshi SS. Targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 9 sensitizes medulloblastoma cells to chemotherapy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 520:250-256. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.09.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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